Outdoor clothing company Patagonia saysit is boycotting Outdoor Retailer showsheld in Utah. The decision comes in response to a resolution signed on Friday by Governor Gary Herbert calling on President Donald Trump to repeal the newly named Bears Ears National Monument.
Corley Kenna, global director of communications at Patagonia, says the company asked for the governor’s support at the Outdoor Retailer Show in January.
“If Governor Herbert didn’t stand up and support us, public lands and Bears Ears, we would not participate in the show going forward,” Kenna said. “We were just keeping our end of the promise.”
The company’s announcement comes a day after Outdoor Retailer officials decided to look for other cities outside of Utah to host shows.
“We’ll continue to participate in the other shows not held in Utah,” Kenna said. “Of course if the governor decides to change his position on this, and advocate for public lands we’d be glad to continue our participation in the show there.”
Utah is home to 54 million acres of public land, five national parks and 43 state parks. The Outdoor Retailer Show brings in $40 million dollars twice a year to Utah’s economy.
“It’s public lands that allow our industry to exist. It’s an industry that brings a lot of jobs, tourism, revenue to the state. But without public lands, our industry won’t exist at all,” Kenna said.
